A place to post creative and constructive comments, news and information about Metis. Especially welcome are achievements, success stories, cultural descriptions and anything that can help move Metis forward. No naysayers please, there are plenty of other places that negative nellies can go and post their stuff. Here we invite the sharing of things that enhance the lives of individual Metis, their children, families and communities.

Of course the tough issues need to be addressed too and are posted here as well.

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan became the starting point in a long process toward opening opportunities for Métis. For Métis businesses to be successful or to create jobs, dialogue and partnerships with industry and governments will be key. Whether as an entrepreneur looking to expand a business, or someone seeking input to start a business or as a community leader examining ways to create jobs in their region, there was plenty to talk about.

In what was the first in a series of Métis Economic Development Forums, business leaders from Northern Saskatchewan gathered for what was a successful dialogue and exchange of ideas.

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier says, "If we are to begin making a difference in our communities, we need to host frank, open discussions between business and grassroots. It was encouraging to hear industry leaders say they are eager to do business with our people but need their expertise to open the way."

Alberta based Ledcor Industries is partnering with the Métis Nation on this initiative because it believes it makes good business sense to tap into a strong and growing skilled Métis workforce.

Corporations such as world Uranium giant Cameco, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, and Federal Public Works were a few of the presenters to offer insight and guidance on topics areas such as partnerships, procurement and community economic development.

The Chief Executive Officer of Saskatoon based, Clarence Campeau Development Fund, Roland Duplessis highlighted the many successes Métis businesses have had in Northern Saskatchewan although, he indicated there's much more work to be done. The Clarence Campeau Development Fund and SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation help to provide financial assistance or start up capital for aspiring or existing Métis entrepreneurs.

President Chartier adds, "For Métis to thrive in today's tough economic times, it would help if we had a land base. With an established land base, then we would be able to develop our own resources and build partnerships that would directly benefit our people."

The Prince Albert Economic Development Forum is the first of a series of events being planned across the Métis Nation homeland by the Métis National Council, Governing Members and Ledcor Industries. The forums follow on the heels of a highly successful Métis Economic Development Symposium last January in Vancouver. Now, the accomplishments achieved at the national symposium are being shared at the grassroots level.

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international levels. The Métis Nation's homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 - 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.